14 marvellous multiband processing plugins

These advanced devices give you expert control over different frequency bands - and sound great!

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£139+

iZotope Ozone 7

Software technology has made multiband effects processing affordable and ubiquitous, enabling the producer on any budget to divide their sounds into separate frequency bands for discrete manipulation of each.

This all-in-one processor is indispensable for both mixing and mastering. The Dynamic EQ module provides frequency-oriented dynamics control, but there are other multiband processors here, too, including the excellent Stereo Imaging module.

Universal Audio UAD Precision Multiband

UA have every stage of the mastering process covered, from Bob Katz’s Precision K-Stereo processor widening, through to this excellent five-band multiband compressor, which combines flexibility with a warm, open sound.

Blue Cat Audio MB-7 Mixer 2

This remarkable and creative splitter/plugin hoster divides the input signal into multiple bands, then provides you with a separate channel strip for each one, complete with insert slots for up to four audio VST/AU plugin!

Softube Transient Shaper

This transient design plugin includes a frequency dial for setting the boundary between the Sustain and Punch portions of the signal, with switches for determining which frequencies are processed in each - Hi, Lo or Wide (both).

FabFilter Pro-MB

A hugely flexible multiband compressor with a number of potential applications.

Unlike many processors, which have several bands set up by default, Pro-MB starts with an empty slate, encouraging you to create bands only where they’re needed. As a result, it’s as useful for de-essing as it is for dynamically processing even the most needy masters.

PSP Audioware VintageWarmer 2

A classic plugin for emulating analogue compression and limiting.

Crucially, VW2 adds warm saturation effects as its Drive dial is cranked up, with separate Low and High bands, selectable via frequency-selection dials. It works beautifully as a parallel processor as well as an insert effect

Sonnox Envolution

A brilliantly surgical tool for both mixing and mastering, this frequency-dependent transient shaper gives you the ability to manipulate the attack and sustain of different frequency areas in isolation.

Softube Drawmer 1973

Choose crossovers between bands, then shape each with the full range of dynamics parameters. There are some choice software benefits, too: dry/wet allows for instant parallel treatments, and stereo and mid/side options are available, too.